Another successful year for the Winesburg Classic Art Show
Story: Winesburg, Ohio is a quaint community located in eastern Holmes County on Route 62. The quiet town, known for its antiques and beautifully maintained historical buildings, wakes up every year on the third Saturday of August when artists, fine crafters, musicians and food vendors line the streets for the Winesburg Classic Art Show.
On Saturday, August 20, Winesburg bustled with activity as artists set up shop on the brick sidewalks, food vendors dished out homemade local meals and musicians began to pluck the first notes on freshly tuned instruments. The town showcased a wide variety of fine art, crafts, vintage bicycles, antique tractors, classic cars and music.
As children lined up for face and sponge painting in front of the Antique Mall, Glenn Parks ambled over the sidewalks with his banjo, serenading the entire gathering and enticing passers-by to stop for a closer look. Nelson Roller and the Porch Pickers did not mind harmonizing with the handcrafted spoon wind chimes for sale at a nearby booth as they performed bluegrass music on the porch of the Historical Society Museum while visitors walked inside for a tour of Winesburg’s history. In a town as small as Winesburg, the performers were always within earshot to anyone visiting the show or selling their wares.
The divergence of modern art on a town that prizes its old gas streetlamps, Victorian buildings, antique shops and resident Amish buggies might seem incongruous. However, the show included antique tractors, classic cars and vintage bicycles that managed to bridge the gap between the features that give the town its charming character and the show’s influx of contemporary artwork.
Because of this juxtaposition of old with new, visitors could view high-definition photographs and laser-cut etchings just a few steps from a 1930’s-era Allis Chalmers tractor or a ’52 Schwinn Black Phantom bicycle, all while standing next to a restored house built in the 1800's.
Cheryl Miller, a Winesburg artist who was instrumental in organizing the show, was very happy with the 23 artists who attended this year’s event. She said that many of these artists were local talents, while others traveled to the show from other areas. “There’s a lot of really nice artwork here,” she said.
People are drawn to the show because of the variety of artwork and the charm of the location. “It’s a beautiful area to have it in,” she said. “Winesburg is a nice town and it’s easy to get to.”
Many of the participating artists agreed. Jim Spires, a potter who lived and worked in Winesburg from 2001 to 2003, said he loves to return to this idyllic town. “I’d love to be back here all the time. It’s such a beautiful little community,” he said. “Route 62 is a big tourist route, so I got a lot of exposure here.”
Many drivers passing through Winesburg did indeed decide to stop and explore the uncharacteristic commotion of the town’s usually quiet sidewalks. Other show-goers were local residents, while others came to Winesburg to witness the abundance of artwork on display. Glenn Miller and his wife visited from Kidron, Ohio because they’d heard that the show has a lot to offer. “We’re interested in the art,” he said. “I’m an artist and I like to see other people’s work.”
They weren’t disappointed. At each booth, visitors could behold detailed paintings, bright watercolors, eye-popping photography, dazzling jewelry, intricate fabric art and beautiful wooden carvings. Some artists worked on new pieces before visitors’ eyes, allowing a glimpse into the process behind their craft.
Spires molded clay into beautiful pieces of pottery at a booth lined with his stunning vases, pots and pitchers. “I’m hand building in the afternoon, depending on the humidity,” he said as he fashioned a handle from clay. Spires also worked on handcrafted turtles and fish while eager onlookers observed the fascinating process.
“I’m set up to paint, so even if I don’t sell something I get something accomplished,” said painter Robert VanNatta as he brushed the first dabs of paint onto a blank canvas in front of a growing crowd.
The varied artists, artifacts and amusements made the Winesburg Classic Art Show a success for visitors and vendors alike. From acrylics to automobiles, bicycles to banjos, the show left a lasting impression. After its fourth successful year, the show has proven to be very aptly named: a true classic in Winesburg, both in name and in spirit.